While you are abroad, maybe on a holiday trip, it is especially important to keep safe with your Windows Live ID. You might communicate through insecure wireless networks, or from computers with outdated security settings. Data thieves are anywhere. Protecting your Live ID is essential, as it is your access key to Messenger, Hotmail and all other Windows Live services.
Even when you forgot your password, there are ways to get access to your account back. In order to be able to make full use of these ways, please concentrate on setting up additional personal information. This will help the support team to make sure that it is really you who wants to get access to your account.
You should know the following information regarding your account:
- Alternate e-mail addressIn your profile, you should add an alternate e-mail address. In case you forget your password, you can have a password reset link sent to this address.
- Secret question and answerYou can have Windows Live ask you a question whose answer can only be given by you. When you want to have your password reset, you have to enter this answer. You can view and change your secret question.
Watch out: This answer is as important as your password! Never tell anybody about it!
- Personal folders at HotmailIn your Hotmail inbox, create some personal folders with unique, uncommon names. Later you can tell the support their names for identification purposes.
- Mobile numberYou may also enter your mobile number, and make use of this number to access your account and prove your ownership at the Windows Live support. Same rule applies: Do not publish your mobile number on the web!
A summary of your Windows Live account is available as well.